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The market for monitors specifically aimed at gaming seems to be thriving. The AG271QX is the first one we have seen from AOC's new AGON range, specifically designed for the gamer. It's a 27in unit with plenty of bells and whistles to attract the intended user.
The 350cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast are pretty standard, and the 1ms response rate is almost a prerequisite for a gamer screen. But this 27in unit boasts a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, 144Hz top refresh, Adaptive Sync technology, gaming presets, and a handy wired keypad that makes the OSD buttons more readily accessible.
Like most gaming-oriented displays, the AG271QX is based on a TN panel. Although this technology has trouble competing with IPS for image quality, it beats the latter hands down for pixel response, which is arguably more important for gamers anyway, since a difference in screen lag can mean a loss instead of a win.
There's a good range of input ports available, including audio and a USB 3.0 hub. There are even 3W speakers built in. The orientation and height are fully adjustable, and plenty of adjustment is available via the OSD.
Costing just shy of £400, this screen is somewhere in the middle of the price range for 27in displays. Let's find out if its abilities are similarly middling, or help it stick out from the crowd.
Specification:
Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Panel type: TN
Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (typical)
Brightness: 350cd/m2
Response time: 1ms
Display inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI, VGA, DVI-D
USB hub: Yes
Tilt: Yes
Raise: Yes
Swivel: Yes
Other: Headphone jack, microphone jack, line audio input jack, mic audio input jack; external Quick Switch for OSD control; built-in 3W speakers, FreeSync (30Hz -144Hz).
Retail Price: £395.99 (inc. VAT)
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